The MPG Challenge Has Begun!

Alright guys, thank's for joining in on my challenge. If you missed it, the point is start off with a full tank and try to get the best MPG you can through the week and post your MPG at the end of it. There is a competition to see who can beat their car's average EPA rating the most, but if you don't drive lots of Highway to compete in that it's OK.

If you missed the starting point but want to join it's OK. Just start with a fresh tank and refill whatever the tank takes by next Thursday, and make sure to alert me.

If the competitors could post their EPA estimates that'd be great so I can post it here. If you can provide your average speed at the end of the week that'd be great too.

Here are some tips to improve your MPG.-Air up your tires slightly above normal to reduce rolling resistance. (keep in mind air expands while driving so don't over-inflate)

-Coast! This is the best way to improve FE. All cars with OBD-2 (post '96 I believe) have a feature that cuts off fuel to the engine when your foot is off the gas and the car is in gear. The engine is spun by the tires only at that point. This is an invaluable asset but it will not work in neutral (or at really low RPM)! Make sure to let off the gas as early as possible when coming to stop.

-Take off slooowly. Try not to tick off people behind you too much though.

-Lower your highway speed. 55MPH is a good speed to carry. Your MPG will fall dramatically as your speed rises, especially if your car is shaped like a brick.

-Lighten Up! Remove dead-weight from the car. Even the spare tire if you're feeling brave.

-Momentum! This is a fun one. Try not to slow down too much for corners so you don't have to regain that speed.

- Don't maintain your speed when on a short incline. Bleed some speed up the hill and slowly gain it back on the way down.

OK guys the challenge has begun. Make sure to keep us posted on how you're doing through the week.
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My rating is 18/26.
__________________1997 Ford Taurus GL 214,000 miles and counting2013 Ford Taurus SEL 19,000 miles1989 Chrysler LeBaron 55,000 milesR.I.P Mercury and the Grand Marquis 1/4/11 @7:46 a.m.Ford Panther Platform: 1978-2011Broughams are meant for cruising the highway and the boulevard, not the quarter mile. Enjoying the ride, instead of getting it over with as soon as possible.

Hmm, there was a guy here that used the same name. He was pretty cool.
__________________1997 Ford Taurus GL 214,000 miles and counting2013 Ford Taurus SEL 19,000 miles1989 Chrysler LeBaron 55,000 milesR.I.P Mercury and the Grand Marquis 1/4/11 @7:46 a.m.Ford Panther Platform: 1978-2011Broughams are meant for cruising the highway and the boulevard, not the quarter mile. Enjoying the ride, instead of getting it over with as soon as possible.

The Mazda6 3.0 is rated at 17/25 for me. I would say my commute and general driving is around 80% city, so I'll do my best
----------------------A behaviorist is a psychologist who pulls a habit out of a rat06' Mazda6sFormerly Dundermuffin666